All the structures
Rieti has about 50,000 inhabitants. The city of Rieti has been considered the geographical centre of Italy since ancient times. This peculiarity is now celebrated by a circular monument jokingly called the Caciotta (wheel of cheese).
Rieti is located on high ground at the foot of Mount Terminillo and is crossed by the River Velino. Before land reclamation work took place, Lake Velino lay to the north of Rieti.
Important city monuments are the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Maria, Porta Romana, the Diocesan Museum and Roman constructions below ground.
The destination chosen by many visitors are the four Franciscan sanctuaries, reminders of St. Francis of Assisi’s presence in Rieti. A spiritual route of about eighty kilometres called the “Francescano path” links the four sanctuaries, passing through the natural and historical beauties of the Rieti province.
Mount Terminillo, also considered the mountain of Rome, is especially popular for winter sports.
As for sport, Rieti has hosted the world gliding competition.
Rieti is famous for the quality of its waters. Beneficial Rieti water has always played an important role in the city’s economy, together with a great tradition of agricultural production, for example the excellent cheeses produced in the province’s small towns of Amateur, Leonessa and Montopoli Sabino.